Fishing Vessel Runs Aground, Coast Guard Rescues Crew

JUNEAU, Alaska – The Coast Guard rescued two crewmembers, while a Good Samaritan vessel rescued one, from the 32-foot fishing vessel X-S after it ran aground and was taking on water near Akun Island at 11:30 a.m. Monday.

The Coast Guard received a report from Trident Seafoods in Akutan, Alaska, and immediately diverted the Coast Guard Cutter Hamilton, which had a HH-65 “Dolphin” rescue helicopter on board.

All three crew members on board the X-S donned survival suits. The crew of the Good Samaritan vessel, Kema Sue, was able to safely transfer one crew member from the X-S by tossing a line to the survivor.

Due to inclement weather, two survivors swam 50 yards to Akun Island.

The rescue helicopter was launched and hoisted the remaining survivors to the other side of the island, where the Kema Sue launched a small boat and safely transferred the two crew members on board.

The M/V Magone Marine was contracted to salvage the vessel and intends to be on scene midday Tuesday.

The master of the X-S reported 75 gallons on board at the time of the grounding and the rescue crew reported an oil sheen 70 yards in length.

2 Comments

Is there video of this rescue? I am a family member and we have been told there was footage on local news in Dillingham AK. If there was a news broadcast I’d appreciate any info regarding how I could get a copy.